Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law.
Hebrews 8:7 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need to look for a second one. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition For if that first covenant had been without defect, there would have been no room for another one or an attempt to institute another one. American Standard Version (1901) For if that first covenant had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second. Common English Bible If the first covenant had been without fault, it wouldn’t have made sense to expect a second. Catholic Public Domain Version For if the former one had been entirely without fault, then a place certainly would not have been sought for a subsequent one. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version For if that former had been faultless, there should not indeed a place have been sought for a second. |
Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law.
Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood—for the people received the law under this priesthood—what further need would there have been to speak of another priest arising according to the order of Melchizedek rather than one according to the order of Aaron?
There is, on the one hand, the abrogation of an earlier commandment because it was weak and ineffectual
But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on the basis of better promises.